What was this novel/short story/screenplay/dream I read? Seeing Wow, that literally costs an arm and a leg! on the front page reminds me powerfully of a scene in something I read where a father plots his successive and continuing workplace injuries to maximize the insurance payouts, which are used for the benefit of his daughter. [more inside]
posted by books for weapons
on Mar 13, 2015 -
4 answers

I'm taking 2100mg Gabapentin daily for an impinged nerve in my neck due to degenerative disc disease and stenosis. I want to step down off the drug because of the side effects I'm experiencing. If the drug is actually doing something to heal the problem then I won't, but if it's just acting as a pain reliever with no other benefits then I'd prefer the pain over the side effects. [more inside]
posted by under_petticoat_rule
on Mar 5, 2015 -
11 answers

I'm in Vietnam, soon to be India, and I have a medical problem and a credit card problem. (1.) How to treat stitches in my leg from an injury I got 17 days ago? YANMD, but you speak English. (2.) Credit card: My card is lost, where in Northern India should I get the replacement sent? [more inside]
posted by Elysum
on Mar 1, 2015 -
22 answers

I fractured my foot, and the doc is threatening cast and crutches if the CAM walker doesn't work. I need help making it work without wrenching the rest of my body. (details beneath the fold) [more inside]
posted by whoiam
on Jan 16, 2015 -
5 answers

I am currently waiting for ankle ligament reconstruction surgery, but still want to keep as active as possible in the meantime. My two main ways of exercising - riding my horse and playing soccer weekly - are now out of the question, what else can I do to maintain some level of activity that doesn't involve using my injured ankle too much? [more inside]
posted by sunshine arakhan
on Oct 28, 2014 -
15 answers

My knee has started to ache while running, and although the pain isn't excruciating I'm starting to feel it while at rest as well. I'd like to hear some exercises that I could work on while I'm waiting (weeks) to see a sports doc. [more inside]
posted by CottonCandyCapers
on Sep 7, 2014 -
13 answers

I have stitches in my tongue and eating anything that's not completely smooth is painful. I've spent the last two days subsisting on broth and ice cream, but this evening I'll be going on a trip to a remote cabin and I need some help deciding what food to bring. [more inside]
posted by galaxy rise
on Sep 4, 2014 -
16 answers

A last-minute injury put a halt on our planned anniversary travel. What is the most fun/exciting/interesting/relaxing place we can go or thing we can do instead, given our limitations? [more inside]
posted by zadermatermorts
on Aug 17, 2014 -
10 answers

I'm registered for the Chicago Marathon this October (in 11 weeks) . It'll be my first race running this far. I also bruised the hell out of my heel 2 weeks ago. Now that I can run again, how do I adjust my training plan? [more inside]
posted by garlic
on Jul 27, 2014 -
8 answers

About two weeks ago I unfortunately had a minor injury, which scabbed up. The scab fell off somewhere between several days and a week ago, and the area is now pinkish and slightly raised. The pink color has been going down somewhat over the past few days, but is still there. I have been putting a silicon-based product on it, as well as keeping it out of the sun. Is there anything else I can/should be doing to prevent scarring?
posted by ClaireBear
on Jul 25, 2014 -
16 answers

My 11 year old daughter suffered two stress fractures in the top of her foot back in May. It is now late July and she is still in a lot of pain and still on crutches, unable to bear any weight, even in a boot. The orthopedic says it is because she needs physical therapy and that she should be healed by now. [more inside]
posted by myselfasme
on Jul 24, 2014 -
19 answers

I injured my elbow or forearm while bouldering (climbing at relatively short heights without a rope). I have never had an elbow or arm injury and need some advice on a) what I may have done and b) how to manage it while it heals. Main points: I have gone to a doctor, x-rays were taken, as expected the arm is not broken, nothing further was done at the doc's office. I think it was a purely rotational injury, not compressional. Plenty more details under the cut. [more inside]
posted by six-or-six-thirty
on Jul 14, 2014 -
9 answers

I was recently diagnosed with a tibial stress fracture. I'd like to keep up my aerobic fitness during the 6-8 weeks the doctor said I wouldn't be able to run, but everything I have tried (cycling, aqua running) is not giving me a workout even remotely comparable to that of my running sessions. Please come up with some neato workouts I could try which don't stress the ankle, so I can run strong post-rehab. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123
on Jul 8, 2014 -
17 answers

YANMD: I tweaked my achillies playing tennis last night (this has happened before), I'm quite limpy and in pain today. My parents (who I rarely get to see) are coming to town this weekend and we have a great hike planned.
What should I be doing for the next 48 hours to increase the likelihood that we can actually go out as planned?
posted by Cosine
on Jul 3, 2014 -
4 answers

My mother was recently in a car crash near her hone in Northern Virginia. The other driver was at fault and the insurance companies were sorting it out. She was diagnosed with whiplash at the ER soon after and spenfew days immobile from pain.
After recuperating, she went on holiday to Europe While there, she was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism that doctors believe may stem from the crash.
A. Am I correct in believing we need to lawyer up?
B. If so, are there recommendations for an attorney in Northern Virginia who could take this case on?
posted by anonymous
on Jul 3, 2014 -
3 answers

I have had multiple hamstring muscle surgeries. According to my surgeon, I currently don't need any more surgeries, and I have just completed 1 year of rehab, but not with a hamstring rehabilitation expert. I would like to seek out the best hamstring physical rehabilitation expert in USA (or if they're really good, anywhere in the whole world), and go receive physical rehabilitation from them. Who is the best hamstring physical rehabilitation expert in the world? How can I find him/her?
posted by crawltopslow
on May 16, 2014 -
2 answers

My wife is in the UK, with our nearly 2-year-old son, I'm in Switzerland, where we live. Today she fell and hurt her foot, and it's possibly broken: she's going to have it checked out and possibly have a cast put on tomorrow. Her flight back is on Saturday morning. Is that a good idea? [more inside]
posted by Omission
on May 8, 2014 -
15 answers

Three or four weeks ago I fell at work...and then days later, fell down some steps at home. I know, I'm coordinated like that. Ever since the falls I've had pain that goes across the top of my foot. It's been a while now and the pain isn't getting better...but it's not getting worse either. What could it be? [more inside]
posted by christinetheslp
on Apr 16, 2014 -
9 answers

I'm an amateur runner warming up to the sport, and have been training for a four mile race. Consistently around the 2-3 mile mark my left foot goes numb; first I notice a slight tingling, and eventually it's like I'm running on one foot. I went to my primary care doctor, and he suggested I get a new pair of shoes at a specialty store, which I did. I tried running again today, and the problem hasn't gone away. I'd like to get this fixed without going to the doctor again, so if anyone has dealt with this issue before I'd love to hear what was wrong and how you (hopefully) fixed it. [more inside]
posted by CottonCandyCapers
on Apr 10, 2014 -
19 answers

Two and a half weeks ago, I tripped and fell (with maximum drama and embarrassment) at work. I landed on the bottom of my knee (beneath the knee cap) and shin with great force onto a hard surface, concrete covered with berber carpet.
It's still developing new and odd bruising (details within) and is still remarkably uncomfortable. The skin and knee bones don't hurt, but the soft tissue is very ouchy. Is this a "deep bruises take time to heal" thing or a "Martha, get your bruised self to the doctor" thing? [more inside]
posted by mostlymartha
on Apr 4, 2014 -
11 answers

Other than filing for disability with the VA, what are my options for restitution or proceeding forward with therapy or other medical options? [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Feb 13, 2014 -
8 answers

Both my knees hurt alot and have for years I cant walk for more then a football field without them hurting to much that I have to stop I also cant stand for more then like 10 minutes or they hurt to much. I am 23 years old.I have been to the doctor and he dosent know whats wrong. My question is can I have arthritis without having smelling in my knees? Becasue I dont have swelling just pain.
posted by john123357
on Feb 10, 2014 -
9 answers

I really hurt my arm. I am going to the doctor, but I'm curious about people's general experiences with this type of injury, treatments, length of recovery, and general speculation about just what I did to myself, since it seems like I did several different things at once. [more inside]
posted by Frowner
on Feb 4, 2014 -
16 answers

10 years ago, I worked as a secretary for a small business. Towards the end of my time there I was asked to lift something heavy and ended up injuring my back (herniated disk). Should I pursue some kind of compensation? [more inside]
posted by EarthwormGin
on Jan 26, 2014 -
16 answers

2nd-degree burns: what helped you recover from and care for yours? Any advice as I prep to leave tomorrow for a vacation where I won't have access to any big pharmacies/stores? [more inside]
posted by kalapierson
on Dec 14, 2013 -
20 answers

Our 40 pound terrier mix injured her ACL yesterday and is badly limping. The vet's advice is ambiguous. I'd like to hear from people whose dogs have had ACL injuries, or people who know more about it than I do. [more inside]
posted by third rail
on Dec 4, 2013 -
25 answers

Didn't touch a DSLR for months, then this past weekend, went to photograph a festival going stage to stage carrying heavy lenses for ~8 hours a day. Just tired the next day. But the following day, can barely move my right arm. [more inside]
posted by querty
on Dec 3, 2013 -
4 answers

My ex-girlfriend assaulted me, damaged my property, and kicked in a door to a public establishment where I was hiding from her. What's going to happen now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Nov 27, 2013 -
20 answers

I'm midway through a 13-week beginner's running program. Today was supposed to be a run day for me, but I noticed a little twinge in my ankle last night, and the soreness has persisted. Skipped the run for today, but I'm wondering how long I should rest the ankle before attempting to run again? Spent the day reading about high ankle sprains and freaking myself out, need some advice from experienced runners. [more inside]
posted by Diablevert
on Nov 11, 2013 -
11 answers

After suffering a potentially career ending injury, and a year of failed rehab I have now been signed off from work. This injury had been personally devasting for me, I am in quite severe pain and as a direct result I have lost my hobbies (sports), friends ( team mates) and my girlfriend (I'm not fun to be around when I'm in pain) and potentially my career. I am exhausted. I need to make the most of these 6 months, options below. [more inside]
posted by JIMSMITH2000
on Oct 28, 2013 -
8 answers

Ok, I'm healing up very nicely post a bad knee injury.
I do a fair bit of travel, including an upcoming trip to Japan that may involve quite a bit of walking. My physician suggested a walking stick when I saw him last (3 weeks ago.) I haven't even needed it, nor the knee brace much. I do some photography (DSLR, Raw) and figured why not use this as an excuse to get a good monopod that will behave as a good walking stick. I'd buy Gandalf's Staff, but I'm sure I'll have problems with TSA if I had that.
posted by Towelie
on Oct 23, 2013 -
11 answers

I have large patches of raised scars and broken blood vessels across huge areas of my body. (I'm an adult in my twenties.) None of this was ever self-inflicted, nor desired in any way at any time. Can any of this be fixed medically/surgically if I save up the money? What about the purple/red marks crisscrossing my flesh? I know that laser surgery is possible for single scars, and to remove tattoos, but as for improving skin quality, I have no idea. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
posted by quiet earth
on Oct 20, 2013 -
12 answers

If anyone here has undergone a biceps tenodesis as treatment for a torn labrum, I would be very interested to hear about your experiences in surgery, rehab and how it ultimately worked out for you. Especially if you do regular weight training and/or active sports like basketball. At age 43 I'm a little nervous about this and would appreciate hearing from someone who's had this done.
posted by Alaska Jack
on Oct 17, 2013 -
3 answers

For the past few years I have been giving myself tendon injuries in quite a few of my joints... elbow's, knee's, and achilles mostly.
I'm been slowly becoming more active for several years now, following an achilles injury that didn't quite heal up for 4 or 5 years. In my late 30's... I know, I'm shedding quite a bit of my invincibility at a steady rate now.
As I said, I keep hurting myself. Mostly when I ramp-up the rigor, or try something slightly different at the gym. I have a pretty long and gentle warm-up and stretching routine, I don't think I really go for an increase too quickly, and only work out every other day or so... but various tendons disagree, at different times, and for different reasons. Based on the frequency and degree of pain/discomfort/etc, and how careful I am about not doing too much too quickly, I think frequency of injuries are out of the norm.
Here's the nut of what I really want to know: What’s the best kind of doctor (already tried my GP) to see about this? It's hampering some of my hobbies and reasonable ambitions quite a lot, so I want to start finding more aggressive help/tests/advise. Who can help from a whole body perspective?
Yes to yoga, and learning all kinds of stretches. Looking for more than a PT at this point.
Thanks all!
posted by shimmer
on Oct 15, 2013 -
13 answers

I use the computer for 16-18 hours a day becasue I have a online business and I have noticed my vision worsening since doing this. I really don't want glasses and have seen a eye doctor who said I don't absolutely need glasses my vision is 20/25 I think he said. I used to have better vision before I spent so much time on the computer. I'm wondering if there any any "techniques" used by OSHA or anything to prevent eyestrain or vision deterioration from excessive computer use .
posted by john123357
on Sep 30, 2013 -
19 answers

I fell on the back of my head yesterday while playing kickball. I did the right thing and went to the ER, and got the all-clear: no concussion. I felt fine but headachey last night. Today I feel quite bad, and I'm not sure what I should be doing. Sporty-people, help? [more inside]
posted by juniperesque
on Sep 13, 2013 -
13 answers

My friend's wife pushed me from their deck into their in-ground pool on Sunday at a party. Now my knee is damaged.
I could barely walk back to my car; saw a doctor tuesday; complete tear of the ACL + more (evil triad if that means anything to you.)
I'm married, have a 21 month old and work for myself (I make money when I'm mostly on the road, although I do some writing/consulting from home.) Minimum I'm off my feet for a month....yes, I'm consulting lawyers, but I'd like to keep the friendship, if possible. Help! [more inside]
posted by Towelie
on Sep 4, 2013 -
35 answers

My husband got into a pretty bad accident this week and will need surgery in a few days. He is at home and his pain is managed, but he can't move around much. I'm now in charge of doing everything in our house as well as taking care of him, and I'm having trouble coping. [more inside]
posted by oysters oysters oysters eat eat eat
on Aug 31, 2013 -
28 answers

My friend Stan (very) recently moved to the USA, and has already had a run-in with his health insurance that we are not sure how to deal with. Stan's new boss Joe invited Stan's family over for an afternoon, and at some point Stan's five year old fell and cut his arm on a rock in the garden. [more inside]
posted by jacalata
on Aug 13, 2013 -
9 answers

I injured my pinkie finger a year and a half ago and it is still giving me grief. It is now usable for most things, but if that side of my hand experiences any kind of impact the finger will be noticeably stiff and sore for days. (it's always worse when I wake up) Has anyone had a similar problem that got fixed? Like, really fixed? [more inside]
posted by ropeladder
on Aug 3, 2013 -
4 answers

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